Enacting and Envisioning Decolonial Forces while Sustaining Indigenous Language: Bilingual College Students in the Andes

This book explores the experiences of Quechuan bilingual college students in maintaining their ethnolinguistic identity while succeeding in Spanish-centric curricula. It combines decolonial theory and participatory action research to mobilize Indigenous languages, showcasing their collective efforts to promote Quechua in higher education. The author advocates for engaging language researchers in critical collective forces to promote Quechua and non-Eurocentric, non-fundamentalist Indigenous concepts for the benefit of minoritized languages and peoples.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 26 October 2021
Publisher: Multilingual Matters

This captivating book delves into the captivating experiences of Quechuan bilingual college students as they navigate the complexities of maintaining their ethnolinguistic identity while excelling in Spanish-centric curricula. Through a rich blend of visual and textual insights, the author weaves a narrative that sheds light on the challenges and triumphs these students face as they strive to preserve their cultural heritage while embracing the language and knowledge of the dominant society.

At the heart of this book lies a powerful fusion of decolonial theory and participatory action research, driven by a steadfast commitment to mobilizing Indigenous languages like Quechua and showcasing the ways in which these Andean college students navigate the limited opportunities for Quechua-Spanish bilingual practices. The author offers a comprehensive overview of their collective endeavors to promote Quechua in higher education, a transformative initiative that holds the potential to benefit not only these students but also all those who engage with their story.

In advocating for the involvement of language researchers in critical collective forces at the core of conditions that foster Quechua in higher education, the author calls for a collaborative effort that embodies decolonial, non-Eurocentric, and non-fundamentalist Indigenous concepts in harmony with action-oriented cultural wealth. This collective endeavor aims to uplift marginalized languages and peoples, ensuring that their voices are heard and their cultural heritage is celebrated.

Through the pages of this book, readers are invited to embark on a journey of discovery, exploring the intricate interplay between language, identity, and cultural preservation. The stories of the Quechuan bilingual college students serve as a testament to the resilience and determination of Indigenous communities as they navigate the challenges of globalization and strive to preserve their rich linguistic and cultural heritage. This book is a valuable resource for educators, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of language revitalization and the importance of preserving cultural diversity.

Weight: 492g
Dimension: 163 x 243 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788929707